2023 Umpire: Bruce Runkle, Sr.

During the past 40 years I have worn several different uniforms starting in 1982 in Yorkville when I was playing in a fast pitch league. I was approached by John “Smiley” Sturgill (IL 2007 Hall of Famer), coach and umpire. He asked me if I would consider playing for his new team “The Boyz” in a USSSA league in Plano. My first reaction was, what the heck is U triple S A? Back then all we knew was ASA around the Aurora area. “The Boyz” went on to win the IL USSSA Class C State Championship in 1986.  

In 1989, my partner and I started Yorkville Glass, and we sponsored a USSSA team for five years. I grew to realize why I favored USSSA. They were a lot more competitive because they had different levels of divisions.  

My love for the sport afforded me the opportunity to play on many different local and national slow pitch as well as fast pitch teams which spanned from 1980-2008, playing fast pitch for the Tiger Club, formerly known as the Sealmasters.   

In addition to working full time, my men’s slow pitch umpiring career started in 1982 working games in Plano, Oswego, Aurora, and tournaments every weekend at Plano, St. Charles, Aurora, Carol Stream, or Joliet. Working over 250 games a season. 

I then had the honor of working all levels of state tournaments in Rockford, both men and women. In 1999, I was honored by receiving the Umpire in Chief Award from Brenda Paulson. 

“Bruce was instrumental during the early years of fast pitch in Rockford. He brought other umpires from his area to Rockford, and they would take care of one of either Forest Hills or Harlem. I’m truly indebted to Bruce and his fellow umpires,” said Paulson. 

In 1995, Brenda introduced girls USSSA fast pitch to Illinois. I was very fortunate to be part of this wonderful, new endeavor. From 1995 to 2004, I acted as an Umpire in Chief for girls’ fast pitch at Forest Hills Diamonds and Harlem’s Sports Complex. 

In 2008 – 2013, I was an assistant Site Director for Joliet USSSA girls’ fast pitch tournaments. I continued to umpire until 2022 when I suffered a second heart attack and required open heart surgery. After this surgery my cardiologist suggested it would not be advisable to take a foul tip off my wired rib cage, so I had to give up my umpiring career.  

My fondest memories come from helping to break in new, young umpires which included my daughter Brandy, son-in-law Rob, and son Bradley. I also had the opportunity to play several seasons with all three of my sons in the infield, Bruce Jr. at 3B, Brett at SS, Brian at 2B and me at 1B.  

I’m grateful for all the memories of friends and people that I met in the USSSA family. 

My philosophy I lived by at every game was If you as an umpire worked a game, hustled and were fair and consistent and left the game without anybody ever knowing you were there, you did your job! 

These days my wife and I spend our winters at our home in Florida where I golf and play softball on a 65 and over men’s slow pitch league and my wife and I enjoy playing pickleball.